A new school year brings new stress, especially for seniors. Coupled with difficult coursework that students are expected to take at Dublin High, seniors are working hard on their college applications. Early action and early decision deadlines approach in November and sometimes, even late October, creating anxiety amongst students. Some believe that the process feels like a never ending hamster wheel of editing their essays.
Arush Kadam, a senior at Dublin High, stated that he has been proactive in the college application process. “I finished applying to the CSU schools on the weekend that the application came out. There were no essays, so I just filled out my grades and applied the same night. I also have most of my supplemental essays done; I got my recommendation letters from my teachers secured, and I also finished the Common app essay.” Arush has been working on his applications since the beginning of summer, and that has definitely removed some of the stress that he would be facing. “I’m glad I’m basically done,” he added.
However, there are many seniors that are still procrastinating their applications. An anonymous senior stated, “Yeah, I haven’t even started my Common app Personal Statement yet. I just asked my teachers for letters of recommendation, and I only have 1 PIQ [personal insight questions] for the UCs … I’m definitely cooked.”
While the seniors may be stressed, counselors and teachers may be under even more pressure than the students. They have to write many letters of recommendations, fill out forms, and even communicate back and forth with students. For seniors, it is important to thank them for their help and recommendations that they have provided. Personally, I emailed my junior-year calculus teacher writing a personal thank you note for writing my letter, and I gave her a gift.
At Dublin, there are seniors who are already done with their essays, still procrastinating, or in the middle of the road. The anxiety might continue to build up, but at least the seniors are almost ready to begin a new journey.
